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2/2/2006
EAR PLUGS
Despite the entertainment value provided by Harold “Elvis” Shulz’s recent email,
this is the kind of response to a review I prefer:
Hey, this is Mark the guitarist from The Warm Gunns. Just read the review of the
Dollsquad show, (Editor’s note:
www.degeneratepress.com/vault/xmas_2005/doll_squad.html) and wanted to say
thanks for the mention. Sure, it wasn't the most glowing review we have ever
received, but it was honest, well written, and you seem to have a pretty good
grasp on where we are coming from. Yeah, we are pretty ridiculous, but ain't
that what makes big dumb rock fun? And believe me, nobody would find it funnier
if I fell in the trashcan, but me. Except maybe our drummer.
Patti Smith is untouchable, but dammit we love that song...
Also-would it be possible to use some of the pictures on our website and/or
myspace page? Giving full credit to the photographer and the website, of course.
Thanks-
Mark Dannells
www.thewarmgunns.com
In other reviews, here’s Mudcat at Northside Tavern, and Brodie Stove, Hope for
a Golden Summer, and Hot Young Priest at The Earl:
www.degeneratepress.com/vault/hfags_1_2006/index.html
FILM FLAM
We caught a preview of The World's Fastest Indian this week. Anthony Hopkins
does a good job of infusing the lead character Burt Munro with a mix of
devil-may-care attitude from Down Under with an underlying obsession to do
something big with his life. There's not much in the way of a supporting cast
here. As Burt travels from New Zealand to Hollywood to Bonneville, different
characters appear so that Burt can charm them, and the audience, on his journey
to break speed records. But they seem more like passing witnesses than
contributors to the story. But the sight of seeing an old man on an old bike
blazing across the desert alone is what this movie is really about. Perhaps even
to Burt, everyone else was just a quick blur he noticed as he blew by.
The film has gotten a bit of buzz. It's entertaining, but nearly empty calories.
We lingered in a bar afterward to dissect the film and never even brought it up.
There just wasn't much to talk about. Last week's Syriana inspired an hour or
more of rambling conversation. With Indian, you know in the end he will get to
Bonneville and will be given the chance to ride the Indian and will succeed. You
fear the hurdles along the way, but they're leaped at such speed that the film
lacks tension or suspense except for a few brief moments. Safe, harmless fun,
perhaps for the whole family as it is Rated PG-13 "for brief language, drug use
and a sexual reference." The "drug use" is Bill's heart medication. The
"language" is so mild I can't even remember it (perhaps Kiwi curses don't catch
my attention) and the "sexual reference" is a moment when Burt and a random
woman wake up together.
I suppose that's why we go to movies - the thrill of vicarious living without
the 200 mph dangers. But this ride doesn't take enough chances, so the vicarious
living is less than thrilling.
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